Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

Description

Date & TimeThanksgiving DayThursday, November 27, 2014

The parade broadcast begins at 8:30 a.m and ends at approximately 12 noon.

Overview

The 1.4-mile 6ABC Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade is the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country and a true Philadelphia tradition. The city streets make way for massive floats and giant balloons, plus local performers from choirs, dance groups, marching bands and more. And Santa himself arrives in grand fashion, ushering Philadelphia into the holiday season.

Now in its 95th year, the annual Thanksgiving Day parade promises another visual and celebratory feast. So bundle up, grab the kids or a group of friends and head out for an early holiday treat.

Floats and Balloons

The eye-catching highlight of the Thanksgiving Day Parade are the festive floats and massive balloons. The decorative floats come in all shapes and sizes including the patriotic Dunkin’ Donuts opening float, the Campbell’s Thanksgiving Harvest float, Verizon’s colorful Under the Sea float and, of course, a special visit from Santa.

It wouldn’t be the Thanksgiving Day Parade without gargantuan balloons. Families will be delighted as they watch Frosty the Snowman, Mr. Potato Head, My Little Pony, “Plex” from Yo Gabba Gabba, Strawberry Shortcake, Clifford the Big Red Dog, beloved Dr. Seuss characters including the Cat in the Hat, Horton, the Lorax and the Grinch and many more float down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Special Guests

The annual parade feature appearances special guests and performers from around the region and beyond. Join Anna and Elsa from Disney on Ice presents Frozen, American Idol Season 12 winner Candice Glover, former N’Sync member Lance Bass, Miss America 2015 and many more during the Thanksgiving Day celebration.

Audiences can enjoy performances from local choirs, recording artists, dance groups and more.

Photo Tour: Top 10 Reasons to See the 2014 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in Person

Interactive Map of Parade Route

With so much to see, we want to help you get the best spot to watch with our interactive map of the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Click the button below to see our top spots to watch the parade.

Parade Route

1. Start point: 20th Street and JFK Boulevard. From there, the parade proceeds east on JFK Boulevard to 16th Street.

2. The Parade turns left onto 16th Street, marching towards Arch Street and making a left onto the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

3. The Parade continues on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway until reaching Logan Circle.

4. The Parade loops around the south side of Logan Circle and then continues on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Eakins Oval.

5. The Parade proceeds along the south side of Eakins Oval finishing in front of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Best Places to Watch

1. One of the best places to watch is at the parade’s finish at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

2. The south side of Eakins Oval (in front of the Art Museum) is also recommended. Campbell’s Soup sponsors a tent there where there’s hot food, warm drinks and entertainment for kids.

3. Other locations along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, like Logan Circle, are also good bets.

4. You can also watch the parade begin at 20th and JFK Boulevard and then take a shortcut on foot heading north on 20th Street five blocks to the Parkway and catch the parade again as it goes by. If you need to warm up, head to the nearby Comcast Building and catch the Comcast Holiday Spectacular on the massive Comcast Experience Video Wall.

NEW: 6ABC Thanksgiving Day Zone on The Oval

The Oval, a seasonal pop-up park at Eakins Oval, will be hosting the first 6ABC Thanksgiving Day Zone featuring live music, warm beverages and family fun from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

Enjoy a hot cup of coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts in the Refuel Zone or take part in family-friendly activities in the Kids Zone. Local food trucks will be on site for tasty eats while the Philadelphia Zoo will be bringing a few furry friends for a meet-and-greet on The Oval.

Sleep Over In A Hotel

Stay downtown on Wednesday night so you can wake up and be right next to the parade. Hotel rates at Center City hotels start at just $99 on Wednesday night(!).

Stay downtown on Thursday night and you’ll be perfectly positioned to kick off the holiday shopping season on Friday in Center City Philadelphia with a visit to the Macy’s Holiday Light Show, the Love Park Christmas Village, the Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting and more. Rates on Thursday night at Center City hotels start as low as $89.

Closest Hotels To The Parade Route

Getting to the parade early is key if you want to get a great spot to watch. One of the best ways to get to the parade early: stay downtown on Wednesday night at a hotel close to the parade route so you’ll wake up right next to the parade on Thursday morning.

Book The Philly Overnight Hotel Package

Another option is to book the Philly Overnight® Hotel Package which includes two nights accommodations — so come for Wednesday and Thursday nights or Thursday and Friday nights, etc. — and your car stays FREE. With free hotel parking included in the price of the package, you’re getting $75+ in added value over your two-night stay. Click the button below to check rates at participating hotels.

Food Drive

Another facet of 6abc and Dunkin’ Donuts partnership is a Holiday Food Drive you can contribute to in a number of ways. Parade goers are urged to gather their cans, and toss them into provided carts as Boy Scouts and Campbell Soup Company volunteers wind their way along the parade route.

Parade History

Dating back to 1920, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is the nation’s oldest Thanksgiving parade. The annual tradition announces the arrival of the holiday season with beautiful floats, marching bands, musical guests, dance teams and ample amounts of cheer.